Life-threatening rip currents along coast through Friday

Published: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 08:10 AM.

The National Weather Service has warned of strong rip currents through Friday in Northwest Florida and Alabama.

A moderate to strong southeasterly wind will increase the danger of rip currents in Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties and in Baldwin and lower Mobile counties in Alabama, according to the Weather Service.

Gary Wise, beach safety director for the South Walton Fire District, said he isn’t taking any chances. Red flags will fly as long as the surf is dangerous.

“There is huge potential for flash rip currents, which can get people at knee-deep water,” Wise said. “If people use their common sense, there is no need to close the water to the public. If people do not use common sense and venture out, we’d be forced to close the water, which is unfortunate.”

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore. They occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sand bar and near structures such as piers and jetties.

“Be watchful for breaks in the surf line where an increasing rip current may occur,” the Weather Service warns.

Wise said 12 to 20 mph winds are expected on the beach the next few days. That will create waves and currents that will push the water from east to west.

“These are the most dangerous water conditions,” Wise said. “They will generally overpower you, and that’s when the swimmer is taken out. I’ve seen people standing on the shoreline and all of a sudden a big wave comes up and takes their legs out. The force of the water is very strong.”

Joe D’Agostino, beach safety chief with the Destin Fire Department, said red flags are flying but rip currents have not been too severe.

“(Wednesday) morning has predominantly been wind coming out of the east so we have more of a long-shore current,” D’Agostino said. “It hasn’t been that bad, but if the wind gets more southerly it could get much worse.”

“We will see the peak of this (Thursday) with surf being anywhere from the 4- to 6-foot range for the next two to three days,” Vause said. “We’ll see it back down to manageable levels, or more favorable levels, by Sunday.”

The Weather Serviceadvises people who get caught in rip currents not to panic and swim parallel to shore. Once they are out of the rip current they can begin to head back to the beach.

No one should try to swim against the rip current. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted quickly.

Flag Warning System:

Double Red Flag: Water is closed to public (dangerous water conditions)

The National Weather Service has warned of strong rip currents through Friday in Northwest Florida and Alabama.

A moderate to strong southeasterly wind will increase the danger of rip currents in Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties and in Baldwin and lower Mobile counties in Alabama, according to the Weather Service.

Gary Wise, beach safety director for the South Walton Fire District, said he isn’t taking any chances. Red flags will fly as long as the surf is dangerous.

“There is huge potential for flash rip currents, which can get people at knee-deep water,” Wise said. “If people use their common sense, there is no need to close the water to the public. If people do not use common sense and venture out, we’d be forced to close the water, which is unfortunate.”

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore. They occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sand bar and near structures such as piers and jetties.

“Be watchful for breaks in the surf line where an increasing rip current may occur,” the Weather Service warns.

Wise said 12 to 20 mph winds are expected on the beach the next few days. That will create waves and currents that will push the water from east to west.

“These are the most dangerous water conditions,” Wise said. “They will generally overpower you, and that’s when the swimmer is taken out. I’ve seen people standing on the shoreline and all of a sudden a big wave comes up and takes their legs out. The force of the water is very strong.”

Joe D’Agostino, beach safety chief with the Destin Fire Department, said red flags are flying but rip currents have not been too severe.

“(Wednesday) morning has predominantly been wind coming out of the east so we have more of a long-shore current,” D’Agostino said. “It hasn’t been that bad, but if the wind gets more southerly it could get much worse.”

“We will see the peak of this (Thursday) with surf being anywhere from the 4- to 6-foot range for the next two to three days,” Vause said. “We’ll see it back down to manageable levels, or more favorable levels, by Sunday.”

The Weather Serviceadvises people who get caught in rip currents not to panic and swim parallel to shore. Once they are out of the rip current they can begin to head back to the beach.

No one should try to swim against the rip current. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted quickly.

Flag Warning System:

Double Red Flag: Water is closed to public (dangerous water conditions)